Keeping your pets safe in winter

Fur cannot protect our pets from the dangers of winter weather; they depend on us to keep them safe. Here are some winter pet tips, courtesy of our own local experts.

Mary Esparra

Fur cannot protect our pets from the dangers of winter weather; they depend on us to keep them safe. Here are some winter pet tips, courtesy of our own local experts.

Goshen Humane Society Vice President Susan Bossley has seen dogs' paws with bad infections because of exposure to rock salt.

"The salt we use for melting ice and snow can be very dangerous for dogs and cats," she said. "They will attempt to lick it from their paws and ingest it."

Bossley advises pet owners to wipe their pets' paws when they come in from their walks. Also consider pet-friendly de-icing products. Clay litter works well, although it's a bit messy.

"Be careful with antifreeze, which can spill on the ground," warned Steve Warshaw, president of the Pike County Humane Society. "Dogs will sometimes drink this, and it's poisonous, often fatal.

"Dogs can be kept outside in the winter for periods of time, but they should have size-appropriate shelter. Don't put a Chihuahua in a Great Dane-sized doghouse," he said. "Better if the shelter is raised a little off the ground and/or sitting on an insulator, like hay, to keep the cold ground from contacting the bottom of the house."

If you do let your cat outside in freezing temperatures, limit his exposure and check his ears upon return, because cats' ears are very prone to frostbite, advised Renee Mazzie, cat manager at the Hudson Valley SPCA.

"Dogs should not be left outside for more than 30 minutes, tops, when the temperature is below 40 degrees, as they can be prone to hypothermia," warned Dina Lerner, HVSPCA medical manager. "Particularly vulnerable are dogs used to being inside and all shorthaired breeds."

The Humane Society of the United States' (hsus.org) also offers tips to keep Fido and Fluffy safe this winter:

Outdoor pets need more food and water in winter months, as the cold depletes their energy. Use plastic, not metal, food bowls and check water often and replace if frozen. Bang on the hood of your car before starting the engine, because small animals have been known to crawl in there to keep warm. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. Lastly, report any outdoor dogs without proper shelter, food or water to your local animal shelter or police department.